Chapter 197:
Seongbuk-gu. Director Yeo Jaeyoon's house.
Jaeyoon and his daughter, Hyemin, were casually watching TV and snacking. Jaeyoon took a bite of an apple and discreetly observed his daughter's expression.
Though her expression seed sowhat dry, as usual, Jaeyoon could discern a subtle difference in it.
"It seems like she's upset about not being able to travel with Kang Jinseok."
Originally, Hyemin was supposed to appear together with Jinseok in the travel variety show, "Recognizable Abroad?". They had worked on two projects together, even attended Cannes together, and fild advertisents for famous overseas brands together, creating an image of them being quite close.
The assigned PD, Seo Hyeonwook, also welcod it with open arms. Just having Jinseok appear was a big deal, but with Hyemin joining as well – it was beyond sensational.
Hyemin, surprisingly, expressed her willingness to appear actively, and it seed like the appearance was confird.
"An unmarried man and woman traveling alone? Absolutely not."
However, Hyemin's appearance was thwarted, all because of Director Yeo Jaeyoon.
Of course, it wasn't truly ‘alone' as there were plenty of staff and a manager accompanying them. Yet, as a father with a daughter, Yeo Jaeyoon couldn't accept it.
Moreover, Yeo Jaeyoon was well aware that his daughter harbored subtle feelings for Jinseok, making him even more reluctant to let her go on the trip. Even if he thought of himself as a troubleso father interfering with his daughter's romantic affairs, it didn't matter. To Yeo Jaeyoon, Hyemin was always the top priority.
"Hello, I'm Kang Jinseok!"
Jinseok greeted cheerfully on TV. Watching Jinseok like that, Yeo Jaeyoon clenched his fist and pondered.
"Well, if it's Kang Jinseok, he's an acceptable person. Charismatic, friendly, polite, lively, reasonably well-off, clean in relationships with won."
Sohow, he felt like he had similar thoughts in the past, but Yeo Jaeyoon attributed it to his mood.
"But it's still not acceptable."
He didn't know how long he could continue to interfere with his daughter, but Yeo Jaeyoon was determined to do it as long as he had the strength.
At that mont, another participant appeared on the screen.
"Hello, I'm Park Hayeon! I arrived in Japan before Jinseok oppa!"
Park Hayeon. An entertainer who would be appearing instead of Hyemin this ti. She recently finished a concert in Japan, and her schedule conveniently overlapped with Jinseok's shoot. Besides, her recognition as a Korean idol in Japan and her proactive attitude toward her appearance bonus points, not to ntion her past appearance on the entertainnt show "Entertainnt Diary" together with Hyemin.
Crunch.
It was just an ordinary act of eating an apple, not much different from usual, but for so reason, Yeo Jaeyoon sensed his daughter's mood.
Clearing his throat, Yeo Jaeyoon asked Hyemin, "Hmm, Hyemin. Are you still upset about not going there?"
Instead of answering, Hyemin increased the volu of the TV. It was admirable and appreciated by Yeo Jaeyoon that she expressed her feelings like that, but being her father, he felt sowhat uneasy.
"For now, it's probably better to stay quiet."
He had a nagging feeling that if he pried too much, Hyemin might retreat to her room.
anwhile, on the TV screen, Jinseok was heading to Japan from Incheon International Airport. At the airport, he shared anecdotes like, "I was lost a lot when I first ca here" and "A young fan wearing a rabbit hat gave it to
when I entered Japan. I still have it," while occasionally putting on the hat.
A grown man wearing such a hat.
As a sowhat conservative Yeo Jaeyoon, it was a bit uncomfortable to see, but strangely, it suited him well, perhaps because he had a good sense of style.
Then, it happened.
Jaeyoon couldn't help but notice that Hyemin, who couldn't take her eyes off the TV, was caught in his gaze.
At that sight, Jaeyoon let out a faint sigh. And so, the uncomfortable TV viewing for the two continued.
***
At the sa ti, at Park Chunsam's house.
Celebrating a rare holiday, Park Chunsam was leisurely watching TV in the living room. His sparkling-eyed wife and daughter were with him.
On the screen was an episode of "Recognizable Abroad?" featuring Jinseok.
Park Chunsam's wife and daughter were avid fans of Jinseok. However, it wasn't just because of Jinseok's work.
It was also because whenever Jinseok traveled abroad or on special occasions, he would send gifts through Park Chunsam.
Park Chunsam recalled the gifts from Jinseok inside the refrigerator.
"Last ti, he sent wine and expensive beef."
Honestly, Park Chunsam's preference was soju and pork belly. Jinseok was well aware of this but had sent wine and beef, saying, "I can't just give you soju and pork belly since it's for both Mrs. and Ms. You can enjoy these with them."
"Well… thanks to that, my wife and daughter liked it."
As Park Chunsam was lost in various thoughts, Jinseok's video continued on TV.
"Wow… when I first ca here, there were hardly any custors. Now, there are so many custors waiting."
Jinseok licked his lips, observing the long line filling the alley. Subtitles on the screen read, ‘Kang Jinseok's recomnded Japanese ran restaurant.'
"It's a place recomnded by Jinseok."
Soday, he thought he should go there. While Park Chunsam was having such thoughts.
Ding-dong.
Soone rang the doorbell. Since it wasn't common for visitors to co at this hour, Park Chunsam grinned and went to the front door.
"Who is it?"
As Park Chunsam opened the door, there was no one outside. Instead, a large package was placed on the floor.
"What's this? It looks like an icebox."
Even at a glance, it seed like a substantial box. Most people would groan while lifting it, but Park Chunsam effortlessly brought it inside.
"Hey, do you have sothing you ordered?"
"No? Did it co to ?"
"Let
see… Oh? Is it for ? The sender is… Kang Jinseok?"
As Park Chunsam spoke, the attention of his daughter and wife, who had been focused on the TV, turned abruptly towards him.
"Sent by actor Kang Jinseok?"
"Jinseok oppa?!"
"Well, it seems so. But why do you call Jinseok ‘oppa'? He's younger than you."
"Because he's handso."
As if questioning why she was asked such an obvious question, the daughter approached Park Chunsam. Then, she inspected the package.
"It's an international delivery. Let's open it, Dad."
"Sure. What did he send this ti?"
Park Chunsam placed the box on the living room table and began to open it with familiar movents. Although the box was tightly sealed with tape and strings, it was futile against Park Chunsam's strength.
After a while, Park Chunsam opened the box. As he expected, it was an icebox.
Inside were bottles of sake and a letter.
——
During my recent filming in Japan, I discovered a truly delicious drink, so I'm sending it for you to try.
I might have to go back to the United States after this shooting, so I might not be able to enter Korea for a while.
I'll occasionally share pictures on the group chat to say hello.
-Kang Jinseok
——
It was Jinseok's gift.
"Well, well."
Park Chunsam smiled with satisfaction. Truly, this guy hadn't changed much even after achieving significant success.
After the variety show filming in Japan, he imdiately headed to the United States.
"Steven Spielberg calling …!"
Steven Spielberg.
A renowned Hollywood director. He had reached out to cast
as the lead actor in his upcoming project.
When I heard those words, my heart pounded as if it would burst. The directors who had called
so far were all top artists, but Steven Spielberg was in a different league.
"It seems the schedule is not going as planned for ."
However, unlike , Jang Sunho seed sowhat uncomfortable.
"Even if you, are said to have good stamina, having a eting in Hollywood right after overseas filming. This is all my oversight."
"Haha… You don't need to think that much. And if Spielberg calls, of course, you go. The casting isn't confird yet since the eting hasn't happened."
"I practically see it as a confird casting. But, more importantly, are you really in good health?"
"I'm fine."
As I smiled and emphasized twice, Jang Sunho nodded as if understanding.
"I understand. Still, if you feel tired or anything, please let
know."
"Yes. Oh, by the way, Manager-nim, wasn't I supposed to be in Director Kang Chanwook's project originally? But now with Spielberg's project, won't the filming schedules overlap?"
"You don't need to worry about that. As you know, in Hollywood, it takes several months to over a year to start shooting after the casting. When Spielberg briefly spoke, he ntioned that the actual shooting would be in the second half of next year, so it won't overlap with Director Kang Chanwook's project."
"I see."
It was Jang Sunho, as always. I felt like I could just follow his schedule, as I had done until now.
Then suddenly, an important fact crossed my mind.
"But Manager-nim, how about your wedding preparations? There's less than two weeks left now."
I was concerned about Jang Sunho's wedding, which was just around the corner. I wondered if he was handling the preparations well and if there would be any disruptions to my schedule due to both my shooting and his wedding preparations.
However,
"I've already finished all the preparations. To the second."
"To the second?"
"Yes."
Contrary to my worries, Jang Sunho calmly replied, seemingly without any concerns.
As expected, my concern for Jang Sunho turned out to be the most useless thing in the world.
"But, honestly, Manager-nim, I never thought you'd get married to her. From my mory, when you two worked together, you always seed to be bickering."
"I also think the sa. In fact, ‘marriage' wasn't in my life plans, but sohow, it happened."
Jang Sunho spoke with a slight complaint, but there was a subtle smile on his face. It was rare to see him smile like this.
During our various conversations, an announcent ca over the airplane's speaker.
"Ladies and gentlen, we will soon be arriving at Los Angeles International Airport."
With that announcent, I glanced out the window.
Outside the window, I could see Los Angeles International Airport, the closest airport to Hollywood.
Reviews
All reviews (0)